MacBook Stuck on Apple Logo? Fix It Fast with These Steps

In the last lesson, we tackled the issue of a MacBook that won’t turn on. We explored common causes like drained batteries, faulty chargers, and hardware issues. We also walked through steps to reset the SMC and PRAM, which often solve power-related problems. Now, let’s move to another frustrating issue: a MacBook stuck on the Apple logo or a black screen during startup. This problem can leave you feeling helpless, but with the right steps, you can fix it yourself.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to offer accurate troubleshooting steps, we are not responsible for any damage that may occur to your device by following these instructions. Proceed at your own risk, and if unsure, consult a professional technician.

Why Macbook Stuck on Loading Screen

A MacBook stuck on the Apple logo or showing a black screen is often caused by software glitches, corrupted system files, or hardware issues. For example, I once faced this issue after a failed macOS update. The update process got interrupted, leaving my MacBook unable to boot properly. This is a common scenario many users face, especially after system updates or installing new software.

Other causes include disk errors, faulty login items, or even third-party hardware like external drives connected during startup. Identifying the root cause is the first step to fixing the problem. Let’s dive into the steps to diagnose and resolve this issue.

Boot into Mac safe mode

Safe Mode is a powerful tool that helps you troubleshoot startup issues. It loads only the essential system files, bypassing third-party software that might be causing the problem. Here’s how to boot into Mac Safe Mode:

1. Turn off your MacBook completely.

2. Press the power button to turn it on.

3. Immediately hold down the Shift key.

4. Release the key when you see the login screen.

If your MacBook boots successfully into Safe Mode, it means the issue is likely caused by third-party software or login items. You can now remove or update the problematic software.

Run Mac First Aid in Disk Utility

Disk errors are another common cause of startup issues. macOS includes a built-in tool called Disk Utility, which can scan and repair disk errors. Here’s how to use it:

1. Boot into Recovery Mode by restarting your MacBook and holding down Command + R.

2. Select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu.

3. Choose your startup disk (usually named “Macintosh HD”).

4. Click First Aid and follow the prompts to scan and repair any errors.

I’ve used this method to fix a MacBook that was stuck on the Apple logo due to a corrupted file system. It’s a simple yet effective way to resolve many disk-related issues.

Reset NVRAM/PRAM Mac

NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) stores settings like display resolution and startup disk selection. Resetting it can help resolve startup issues. Here’s how:

1. Turn off your MacBook.

2. Press the power button and immediately hold down Option + Command + P + R.

3. Hold the keys for about 20 seconds, then release.

This step has helped me fix a black screen issue caused by incorrect display settings. It’s a quick and easy solution that often gets overlooked.

Reinstall macOS

If none of the above steps work, you may need to reinstall macOS. This process erases corrupted system files and installs a fresh copy of the operating system. HHow to reinstall macos:

1. Boot into Recovery Mode by holding down Command + R.

2. Select Reinstall macOS from the Utilities menu.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

I’ve used this method to fix a MacBook that was stuck on the Apple logo after a failed update. It’s a more advanced step, but it’s highly effective for persistent issues.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we explored how to fix a MacBook stuck on the Apple logo or black screen. We covered booting into Safe Mode, running First Aid in Disk Utility, resetting NVRAM, and reinstalling macOS. These steps should help you resolve most startup issues and get your MacBook running smoothly again.

If you’re still facing problems, don’t worry. The next lesson will cover how to fix a slow MacBook, which is another common issue many users face. By following these tutorials, you’ll become more confident in troubleshooting and maintaining your MacBook.